Section A - Observing a Verse (Psalm 93:1)
The theme of the verse is the greatness of the Lord. The verse talks of how great and mighty the Lord is and praises him for his marvelous works. It expresses the Strength of the Lord and his majesty. The verse praises the name of the Lord and praises him for his wonderful work of creating the earth and protecting it from destruction.
Section B - Reading the Bible as for the First Time (Luke 15:11-32)
As you read through the eyes of these various people, the text might reveal new insights you had not noticed yet.
Reading with the perspective of different people helps one understand the story of the prodigal son in a new way. For example, reading as a person who has sinned against God it brings hope that there is forgiveness for you. It encourages you to come back to God.
Section C - Reading the Bible as a Love Letter (John 3:16-17)
If you were to see other people as God sees them, do you think you would need to make any changes in any of your relationships?
If one began to view the world as God views us, he would definitely have to make changes in his relationship with others. God loved us despite the fact that we were sinners. His love was so great that He gave his only son to save us from our sins. If we viewed all people as God views them then, we would to forgive more and treat people in our lives with more love and compassion and make the people around us see God’s image in our lives.
Section D - Reading Thoughtfully (Luke 17:11-19)
The Samaritan leper broke ranks and returned to Jesus. Why?
Unlike the other lepers that were healed by Jesus, the Samaritan leper returned to thank Jesus. The other Lepers were Jews and valued the law more than they valued their Healer. They were keen to have their freedom by showing themselves to the priests. They thought that by the virtue of being Jews they deserved the miracle. The Samaritan leper felt indebted to his Healer. He felt unworthy of the miracle because he was a foreigner and returned to thank his healer.
Assignment 2
Section A - Reading Repeatedly (Romans 5).
Spend half an hour reading Romans 5 highlights the portions that you think you understand clearly and those that remain something of a mystery to you. Record any questions you have.
“12 Therefore, just as sin entered the world through one man, and death through sin, and in this way death came to all people, because all sinned”. This verse is self explanatory it explains that when man sinned he caused death and since we all are sinners we got death. However, the following verse is difficult to understand. “13To be sure, sin was in the world before the law was given, but sin is not charged against anyone’s account where there is no law. 14 Nevertheless, death reigned from the time of Adam to the time of Moses, even over those who did not sin by breaking a command, as did Adam, who is a pattern of the one to come”. The relationship between the law and sin in these two verses is difficult to understand until after repeated reading.
Section B - Reading Selectively (Matthew 2:1-12: Luke 2:1-40)
What is happening in these passages? By what various means is God working?
The passages give an account of the birth of Jesus. In Luke, we learn of the hard times of the birth of Jesus leading to his birth in a manger. This chapter gives an account of the ways events that took place during Jesus’ birth and his dedication. Mathew also gives an account of his birth and the visit from the wise men. One has to selectively read the scriptures and merge the scriptures to give a continuous story.
Section C - Reading Prayerfully (Ephesians 3)
Based on this information, how did Paul expect the Ephesians (and us) to respond?
Paul prays for the Ephesians (and us) to be rooted in more in Christ. From his prayer we are expected to live closer lives to God and allow god into our hearts. This will help us stand as better Christians al through.
Section D - Reading Imaginatively (John 2:1-11)
Do you think that there was any significance that this was the first of Jesus’ miracles? If so, Why?
Turning water into wine at the wedding in Cana of Galilee was the first of Jesus miracles. This miracle was significant in showing Jesus’ nature. The fact that people may consider wine as a luxury shows that Jesus is concerned with all our problems no matter how irrelevant they look. Wine may have symbolized the Holy Spirit, who is one of the most important aspects of a Christian’s life.
